The Civic Theatre extends run for Christmas panto ‘Tickles and the Beanstalk’

December 4th 2024 – January 5th 2025

The team who brought you ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’, ‘Snow White’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and ‘Cinderella’ return for The Civic Panto 2024.

Tickles might not always have the brightest ideas, but with his Ma Dottie by his side, they can conquer anything. BUT! They’re facing a big challenge: the Evil Baroness wants to take their home away….

What’s a family to do? Sell their hilarious all-singing, all-dancing pet cow, MOOTilda? Maybe Jill, the Baroness’s niece, can help change her aunt’s mind about being so mean? Or perhaps a giggly fairy will swoop in, sprinkling magic dust to ensure Tickles and Dottie find their happily-ever-after?

Find out at TICKLES AND THE BEANSTALK, this year’s spectacular and hilarious Civic Panto. Always a sell-out, smash-hit so book soon for THE BEST PANTO SEATS IN TOWN!


Presented By: The Civic and Rob Murphy
Duration: 120 minutes. One interval.
Suitable For All Ages


Featuring an All-Star Cast

Kevin Keeley – Tickles
Sarah Harvey – Baroness Trump
Aidan Gavin – MOOTilda
Robert Downes – Dame Dottie
Kelia Ana Whelan – Jill
And introducing social media star Ruth Leonard (aka Totally Ruthless) as Fairy Ruthless

#THECIVICPANTO
Always a sell-out, smash-hit so book soon for THE BEST PANTO SEATS IN TOWN!

Level Health, Ireland’s newest health insurance provider, addresses customer confusion by cutting through the complexity and providing better value to frustrated health insurance customers

  • Level Health sets a new standard for simplicity with just FOUR health insurance plans that provide better access to quality healthcare

 

  • Customers get better value including a saving of an average of €500* for a family of 4 switching to Level Health from competitors

 

  • All Level Health customers get FREE world-wide multi-trip travel insurance with winter sports cover

 

  • Level Health is backed by Aviva, one of Ireland’s leading insurance companies, with the biggest ever investment in a new health insurance business in Ireland

 

Level Health, Ireland’s newest health insurance provider, has launched today with a mission to reshape how health insurance can work by offering clarity, simplicity, and genuine competition. Customers have been crying out for simplicity and with just four plans that meet everyone’s needs, customers now have a real alternative. Level Health provides cover for all public and private hospitals as well as access throughout the country to more diagnostic, urgent care and emergency care centres than with any other health insurer in Ireland.

Level Health customers have unlimited access to the most innovative tele-medicine services in the market including immediate access to health professionals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via video calls, secure messaging and WhatsApp.

Level Health is backed by Aviva, one of Ireland’s most trusted insurance brands, and customers will get access to an exclusive range of discounts on Aviva’s home and motor products as well as free personal accident cover.

A family of 4 can save an average of €500* when switching to Level Health from a comparable Laya, VHI or Irish Life Health plan to Level Health’s Plan C. These comparisons are based on the HIA report on the 30 most commonly held health insurance plans in 2023**. What’s more, with Level Health, kids under 3 go free on all plans.

 

SIMPLICITY:

A recent HIA report found that due to the bewildering range of health plans, customers have an overwhelming task trying to choose a plan. Level Health are passionate about simplifying the market and have made it their mission to remove unnecessary complexity and confusion. This is delivered by offering 4 plans, making it easier for customers to choose the right cover as well as providing customer support and telemedicine advice through multiple channels including secure WhatsApp messaging.

 

A REAL ALTERNATIVE:

Level Health is offering a real alternative with:

  • Four health insurance plans — simply called Plan A, B, C, and D — providing access to healthcare across Ireland.
  • Agreements with all public, private, and high-tech hospitals and better access to more minor injury units and private emergency departments, and scan centres nationwide.
  • Savings of an average of €500* for a family of 4 who switch to Level Health from a comparable Laya, VHI or Irish Life Health plan. Level Health provides free cover for kids under 3 on all plans.
  • Customers can consult a doctor or health care professional via instant digital access at any time that suits them or make a face-to-face appointment if they’d prefer.
  • FREE multi-trip world-wide travel insurance, including winter sports, for the term of the policy – worth approximately €228 per family of 2 adults and 2 children***
  • Exclusive discounts including a 50% discount on home insurance, 15% on motor insurance and a 15% discount on mortgage protection insurance with Aviva Insurance.
  • Simple customer experience with claims paid to customers’ Revolut accounts and customer service through multiple channels including WhatsApp.

 

ABOUT LEVEL HEALTH

Level Health is led by experts with decades of experience in the health insurance market – Jim Dowdall, Stephen Loughman, Ruth Bailey and Oliver Tattan – who have previously established and run successful health insurers in Ireland. Level Health is a joint venture with the backing of Aviva Insurance Ireland and Aviva is also underwriting all Level Health policies.

 

Jim Dowdall, CEO of Level Health, says

The launch of Level Health marks a pivotal moment for a broken Irish health insurance market. For too long, customers have been overwhelmed by confusing plans, limited options, and a lack of real alternatives. Level Health is the cure. We’re not just entering the market – we’re reshaping it, bringing clarity, simplicity, and genuine competition.

We’re proud to lead this transformation. Our Level Health team, with decades of health insurance industry experience, knows what’s been missing: simplicity, meaningful savings and better access to quality healthcare. Backed by the strength and expertise of Aviva, we are offering a true alternative to the status quo. Health insurance customers now have a real choice. This is more than a launch; it’s the beginning of a new era in health insurance.”

 

Level Health is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and the health insurance business is registered with the Health Insurance Authority. Customers switching their cover to Level Health will not have to re-serve waiting periods when switching to a comparable level of cover.

Visit levelhealth.ie to see how Level Health can offer better value and smarter solutions.

Brazilian food and drink vendors, beauty and fashion creators, tech innovators, traditional music and dance performers among 50+ exhibitors participating in unique Brazil Showcase in Dublin’s EPIC Museum, CHQ on Saturday 30th November

  • Visitors will enjoy the very best of Brazil with traditional gifts, interactive demonstrations, product samplings, food tastings, engaging performances of music, dance and specially designed activities for children – just in time for Christmas!

 

  • Information workshops, pitch sessions and business roundtables will be taking place throughout the day for budding entrepreneurs

 

  • Tickets are just €5 and the event will shine a spotlight on the diverse and growing Brazilian cultural and entrepreneurial community in Ireland

 

 

The very best of Brazilian culture, cuisine, beauty, business and technology will be on display at the ‘Brazil Showcase’ in the Epic Museum, Dublin on Saturday 30th November.

 

Hosted by The Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, the showcase will offer everyone the opportunity to experience the diverse and vibrant nature of Brazilian culture, with incredible cooking demonstrations and samplings, interactive demonstrations and workshops, events for children as well as traditional Brazilian music and dance performances.

 

With plenty of gifts available, including gorgeous jewellery and cosmetics, it’s the perfect opportunity to purchase thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

 

In partnership with the Embassy of Brazil in Ireland, the purpose of the showcase is to illustrate all that the vibrant and diverse Brazilian business community in Ireland has to offer and encourage the continued integration and engagement between the Irish and Brazilian communities.

A must-see on the day is BAH33°. Expect the sights, sounds and aromas of traditional Brazilian barbecue. With a telescopic grill to create a true show for everyone in attendance, this will be a unique and delicious experience that brings a taste of southern Brazil to Dublin. Not to be missed, Link Brazil will be showcasing the authentic taste of Brazilian açaí. Renowned for its rich, refreshing flavour and nutritional benefits, açaí has become a globally beloved superfood. Attendees can also stop by Fragomen Ireland Limited, Ireland’s leading immigration services provider. Part of a global network with over 6000 professionals in 60 offices, Fragomen supports clients worldwide by leveraging advanced immigration technology and digital processes.

 

Among the 50 vendors and exhibitors are:

  • Churros do Lulu – Specialises in delicious churros, including their famous Brazilian Churros filled with Dulce de Leche
  • Joelles – Crafting high-quality, natural home fragrances to add sophistication to your space
  • Olivia’s Food – Delivering high quality and healthy homemade Brazilian food
  • Gaucho’s – Offers a tasty variety of food, from special hot dogs and handcrafted burgers to authentic barbecue and refreshing açaí
  • Carla Horrana Piercing and Jewellery – Delivers exquisite jewellery of the highest quality.
  • Bake it Happen – Serving Brigadeiros, scrumptious tartlets, cupcakes and more
  • Unleashe – Consulting firm that specialises in supporting Latin American entrepreneurs in Ireland
  • Karina MacMullan Image, Style and Colour Consultancy – Specialises in colour analysis and personal style

 

Following last year’s inaugural showcase, which took place at Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin and saw over 1,300 attendees, over 1500 attendees are expected to pass through EPIC Museum this November 30th. The full list of exhibitors is available to view on the Brazil Chamber of Commerce Website.

 

Fernanda Hermanson, President of the Brazil Ireland Chamber of Commerce, says:

 

“The Brazil Showcase is an excellent opportunity to highlight the diverse and growing Brazilian entrepreneurial community in Ireland and the fantastic contributions they are making to the Irish economy. The Brazil-Ireland Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for the integration of the Brazilian and Irish communities and encourages the public to come and experience the vibrant culture and celebrations. We’re so excited to build on the success of last year’s showcase, and make this year bigger and better. The event will provide fun for all ages and is the perfect way to start your Christmas shopping.”

 

The Brazil-Ireland Chamber of Commerce launched in March 2023 with the aim of creating a business network to strengthen commercial relations between Brazil and Ireland. With approximately 58,500 Brazilian nationals now living in Ireland and 1,330+ Brazilian owned businesses here, the aim of the organisation is to promote trade between the two countries and act as a first point of contact for Brazilian owned companies based in Ireland, Irish companies keen to expand to Brazil and Brazilian companies interested in exporting to Ireland. Since its inception, the Chamber has grown to having 86 members and continues to shine a light on the Brazilian community in Ireland and the trade potential in the coming years.

 

Brazil Showcase takes place in EPIC Museum at CHQ Dublin from 10am-6pm on

Saturday 30th November. Tickets available here:

https://www.brazilirelandchamber.com/event-details/brazil-showcase

For further information, please visit the Brazil-Ireland Chamber of Commerce website:

https://brazilirelandchamber.com/

 

Facebook: @BICC

LinkedIn: @BrazilIrelandChamber

Instagram: @BrazilIrelandChamber

Calling all festive music makers across Ireland!

Do you have a festive song that could help Switch Christmas On across the

nation this year? Are you a singer, songwriter or musician with a Christmassy

hit to share?

 

  • Christmas FM is on the hunt for the next big Christmas tune to become the winner of ‘The SPAR Christmas FM Song Contest 2024’
  • Christmas FM’s hugely successful Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal returns this year to raise funds for charity partners Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of children’s charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities

 

Are you a talented songwriter, singer or music fan who has written a festive melody or recorded a Christmas cover version of a beloved favourite that could help ‘Switch Christmas On’ across the nation this year? Do you have a Christmassy hit that could spread festive cheer and seasonal joy? If so, Christmas FM wants to hear from you!

 

The much-loved radio station has unveiled ‘The SPAR Christmas FM Song Contest’ for 2024 in a bid to find the next festive tune that will help to spread goodwill and cheer right across Ireland. The winning song will have the honour of being broadcast to Christmas FM’s Irish and international fans along with the likes of Christmas legends such as Slade, Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé.

 

Supporting homegrown talent, entrants from across the island of Ireland are asked to submit their application ahead of the closing date at 1:00pm on Friday 29th November. All you have to do is write and record your very own festive tune or a cover version and fill out the entry form here: https://christmasfm.com/songcontest/

 

Last year, ‘Grafton Street Lights’ by Aimée was crowned the overall winner. Written by Dublin based artist Aimée, she described the song as a love letter to Ireland. Aimée composed the track for those who have moved away from Ireland and feel a longing for home during Christmas.

 

Aimée, winner of the 2023 Christmas FM Song Contest said:

“As an independent artist, it means the world to me when radio stations & listeners support my music. When Christmas FM named my song, ‘Grafton Street Lights’, as the winner of their 2023 song contest, I felt truly honoured. Christmas FM was part of my Christmas tradition growing up, so hearing my own music played on the station is a dream come true.”

 

Walter Hegarty, co-founder of Christmas FM, said:

“Christmas FM is the festive music station that Switches Christmas On across Ireland every year, bringing the season to life with all the classics that make celebrating with friends and family all the more special. We are delighted to welcome back our Christmas FM Song contest for 2024, in partnership with SPAR. This contest offers a fantastic opportunity to support and spotlight the exceptional musical talent we have in Ireland, adding a fresh seasonal hit to our cherished Christmas FM playlist. From Elvis to Slade, Mariah Carey to Frank Sinatra, Christmas FM has something for everyone.”

 

Christmas FM will launch in late November on FM for its 17th year on air (subject to licence)

Christmas FM is available online at:

www.christmasfm.com

You can follow the station on social at:

@christmasfm

Christmas FM – Bringing You the Magic of Christmas

Pat Kinsley retires from leading creative branding agency Neworld

Pat Kinsley has stepped back from his role as Managing Director of Neworld, after 39 years at the helm of the one of Ireland’s most successful creative branding agencies.

Pat is being succeeded by his longstanding business partners Gary Gleeson, who has taken on the role of Managing Director, while David Jordan will continue to lead Neworld’s Digital Division.

One of the original brand thinkers in Ireland, Pat has had a profound impact on the creative industry, pioneering brand strategy in Ireland and applying his unique perspective to some of the nation’s best loved iconic Irish brands.

A native New Yorker, Pat bucked the trend with a brave move to Ireland in 1985. As people were emigrating in their droves to seek a better life, Pat was setting up his first design agency with his then business partner, Richard O’Connell, above the legendary Joy’s Nightclub on Dublin’s Baggot Street. Pat was the first design expert to make branding a fundamental part of the design process. This led to the creation of Neworld, the first strategic branding agency in Ireland.

Pat’s career over the past four decades has been defined by many significant achievements. He was one of the eight founders and a Director of Design Ireland, and a champion of both the Graphic Design Business Association (GDBA) and the Institute of Creative Advertising & Design (ICAD). Pat also brought his strategic branding acumen with him across the globe, through the Design Management Institute (DMI), working with the advisory panel and speaking at events across the United States, London, Helsinki, Madrid and Amsterdam.

Pat has also been a prominent figure in the Marketing Institute of Ireland (MII). He sat on the judging panel for the All Ireland Marketing Awards (AIMS) and was honoured to be MC at the 2015 CMO Summit. Over the past four years Pat has also lent his decades of experience to the role of external examiner for TU Dublin’s Visual Communications department.

A lifelong love of radio has seen Pat working on both sides of the microphone. From the heyday of Pirate Radio in the 1980s, he became part of the new era of independent local radio in Ireland, developing brands such as Capital Radio (now FM104), Sunshine FM, Lite FM (now Dublin’s Q102) and WLR FM. In addition to a regular branding slot on Newstalk, Pat has also contributed to a range of radio shows with presenters such as Marian Finucane, Ivan Yates, Bobby Kerr and Ryan Tubridy.

Outside the business world, Pat has been an active supporter and influencer in the charitable sector. He was a Director of the umbrella charity People in Need Trust, which has raised €40m for small charities across Ireland through its telethons. He worked alongside former President Mary McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese to develop the campaign ‘Your Country, Your Call’ and he was a passionate champion of the LauraLynn Foundation, helping to build the brand from its inception. In addition, Pat’s passion for theatre inspired him to become involved in the founding and development of the hugely successful dlr Mill Theatre, where he currently sits as Chairman of the Board.

Pat says: “For the last 39 years I’ve had the privilege of working with some of Ireland’s most iconic and best loved brands. I’ve met all types of people and worked on all types of projects. It’s certainly never been a job for me, but a way of life. There is no doubt in my mind that Neworld will continue to prosper and I’m so delighted that Gary and David, along with the next generation of talent, will keep driving it forward.”

Gary Gleeson, newly appointed Managing Director of Neworld, says:

Pat has been an absolute pioneer in the Irish branding industry and myself, David and the entire team at Neworld feel so privileged to have worked alongside him. We now look forward to continuing Pat’s legacy and we’re very excited about the plans we have in place for the business.

Neworld works hand in hand with a diverse mix of Irish brands, right across a range of different sectors, from food and drinks brands to aviation and construction and we thoroughly enjoy building brands and delivering award-winning creative solutions for these clients.

We have huge pride in the fact that many of these amazing brands have moved beyond Irish shores and are now competing in a global marketplace. New technologies have certainly helped to break down borders and boundaries. But crucially, our clients understand the value of building a strong brand that can assert itself and hold its own in new territories, while also creating honest and emotional connections with their consumers.

We’re honoured that these clients are bringing us with them as their brand partners, pushing across Europe and beyond. Neworld is in a really, really exciting place at the moment, thanks in no small part to Pat’s dynamic leadership, and we’re really looking forward to taking the next step on this journey and embracing what the future holds for us.”

 

www.neworld.com

Advertising Standards Authority hosting webinar entitled ‘#Ad Guidelines for Honest Influencing on Social Media’

  • Free webinar taking place on Thursday, 7th November from 11:00am – 12:00pm will be of interest to brands, seasoned influencers, and emerging content creators

 

  • Panellists include Garron Noone, Musician, Comedian and Content Creator, Advertising Standards Authority, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and more

 

The Advertising Standards Authority, the independent advertising self-regulatory body responsible for promoting, regulating and enforcing the highest standards of marketing communications in Ireland, is hosting a free webinar on Influencer Marketing that will discuss guidelines for commercial content on social media, how to correctly label ads on social media, and the importance of trust and transparency in influencer marketing.

 

The webinar, taking place on Thursday, 7th November from 11:00am and 12:00pm, will be of interest to brands, seasoned influencers, and emerging content creators alike. It will offer expert insight into advertising guidelines for influencers, helping participants gain a clear understanding of what #ad means, how to label commercial content correctly, and the responsibilities involved in promoting products or services on social media.

 

The panel will consist of:

  • Garron Noone, Musician, Comedian and Content Creator, will talk about his experience as a content creator in Ireland
  • Scott Guthrie, Director General of Influencer Marketing Trade Body, will moderate the discussion
  • Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, will discuss the organisation’s ongoing work in the influencer marketing, as well as the new Guidance on Influencer Advertising and Marketing for influencers that was launched last year in collaboration with the CCPC and Advertising Standards Authority
  • Mark Walsh, Head of Marketing Insights Unit at CCPC, will provide an overview on consumer protection laws and misleading information
  • A Q&A discussion will also take place

 

This webinar follows the release of new influencer Guidance introduced last year by the Advertising Standards Authority and CCPC. Designed to clarify compliance requirements for influencers, brands and advertising partners, the Guidance outlines key standards for transparency, accuracy and responsible messaging in social media marketing. The Advertising Standards Authority also won the Collaboration Award at the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA) Best Practice Awards 2024 for the Guidance.

 

To reserve your space on the webinar, please visit:

https://dv4-com.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4pbzVpnjTvqbJBKxoz-xmQ#/registration

 

Further information on Advertising Standards Ireland is available at adstandards.ie.

 

You can follow Advertising Standards Authority on

LinkedIn: Advertising Standards Authority (IRL)

Instagram: adstandardsireland

X: @AdStandardsIRE

 

An Post, Cadbury and Coca-Cola on board as Premier FM Sponsors of Christmas FM 2024

To celebrate Christmas FM ‘Switching Christmas On’ for 2024, the station is

once again hosting an exciting competition offering a digital sponsorship package worth €5,000 to one lucky Irish company!

 

Christmas FM, the much-loved radio station that ‘Switches Christmas On’ across Ireland every year, is delighted to announce that An Post, Cadbury and Coca Cola are on board again this year as Premier FM sponsors for the festive radio station.

The radio station, which will return to the airwaves on FM in late November for its 17th year (subject to licence), is also delighted to announce the return of an exciting competition for Irish businesses in 2024.

Open to businesses both big and small, this competition offers a fantastic opportunity for companies to shine and stand out from the crowd this festive season. Entering is simple – businesses just need to fill in their details here: https://christmasfm.com/switchchristmason/ The closing date is Friday, 8th November at 1:00pm. One lucky Irish company will receive a digital sponsorship package for Christmas FM worth €5,000 to support their business this Christmas.

Christmas FM is proud to support Irish businesses, recognising the important role they play in communities nationwide. Following the success of last year, which saw Tinney’s Toys in Letterkenny win the €5,000 sponsorship package on the station, the competition is back once again to highlight the significant contributions of local enterprises.

Irish businesses are also warmly invited to spread the holiday spirit by supporting The Magic of Christmas Appeal. By sponsoring a positive message on Christmas FM, your business can help make this season even brighter. Register your interest at https://themagicofchristmas.ie/your-business-can-be-a-sponsor/

Garvan Rigby, Co-Founder of Christmas FM said:

“We are delighted to announce the return of An Post, Cadbury and Coca-Cola as our premier FM sponsors for 2024. This year will see us celebrating Christmas FM’s 17th year on air, something that continues to be made possible by our wonderful team, sponsors and listeners. We would also like to thank Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley who have once again kindly donated their studio space for Christmas FM this year.

For the second year running, we are also offering a digital sponsorship prize worth €5,000 for one lucky Irish business. Supporting indigenous Irish businesses is incredibly important to the Christmas FM team, and we are looking forward to choosing a worthy winner once again this year. We are counting down the days until we Switch Christmas On across Ireland this year. We have lots of exciting surprises in store so make sure to keep an eye on our socials!”

Richard Miley, Marketing Communications Lead of An Post Mail and Parcels, said:

“At An Post, we believe in sending love from the heart, a sentiment that resonates deeply during the holiday season. We’re delighted to renew our partnership with Christmas FM, a station that brings the true spirit of Christmas to life. Whether it’s a heartfelt letter, a carefully chosen gift, or a simple card, An Post is here to help people send love and joy with friends and family near and far. Through this sponsorship, we’re not only sharing festive cheer across Ireland but also supporting the impactful work of The Magic of Christmas Appeal. Let’s fill this season with sending love, connection, and the magic of Christmas.”

Carla Reynolds, Seasonal Brand Manager at Cadbury, said:

“At Cadbury, we feel a strong connection with Christmas FM; it’s arrival truly marks the start of the festive period, and we are delighted to be a part of this tradition. Like Christmas FM, Cadbury is strongly linked to the rituals and traditions of Christmas – from counting down the days on your Advent Calendar, sharing Cadbury Roses amongst friends, to finding Cadbury Chocolate Coins in your stocking! Coming together to generously spread Christmas magic is really special, and the Christmas FM team always do an amazing job of getting the nation into the festive mood, reminding us all about the true spirit of Christmas.”

 

Rebekah Hitchmough, Marketing Manager GB&I at The Coca-Cola Company, said:

“Coca-Cola and Christmas have long been intertwined, and we’re excited to sponsor Christmas FM for the sixth consecutive year, bringing Coca-Cola Christmas spirt back to the Irish airwaves. This festive season, Coca-Cola will inspire the Christmas spirit by encouraging people to unleash their inner Santa through random acts of kindness. As the brand that helped shape the modern image of Santa, Coca-Cola, in partnership with Christmas FM, aims to deepen his legacy, reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. Our Coca-Cola Santa will also make his return, alongside our iconic Christmas truck and the Designated Driver initiative. This festive season reminds us that kindness and generosity reign – and the world could use more Santa’s!

 

Christmas FM will also be continuing with the hugely successful Magic of Christmas Appeal – raising money for three of Ireland’s leading children’s charities – Barnardos, Barretstown, and Make-A-Wish Ireland, along with a range of children’s charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland. The Magic of Christmas was launched in 2022, with the aim of raising €1,000,000 over a three-year period for the charities. The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal raised almost €325,000 last year for the charities, with donations raised between 2022 and 2023 totalling €618,706 overall.

 

Christmas FM will launch in late November on FM for its 17th year on air (subject to licence)

Christmas FM is available online at:

www.christmasfm.com

You can follow the station on social at:

@christmasfm

Christmas FM – Bringing You the Magic of Christmas

Shortlist unveiled for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024

Authors on the shortlist include Andrea Mara, Páraic Kerrigan, Cecelia Ahern, Colm Tóibín, Hayley Kilgallon, Dylan McGrath, Myles Dungan, Sarah Webb, Oliver Jeffers, Zainab Boladale, David McWilliams, Ferdia Lennon, Sally Rooney, Proinsias Mac a’ Bhaird, Christine Dwyer Hickey, Caoilinn Hughes, Niamh Mulvey, Hector Ó hEochagáin, Claire Bamber, Rozanna Purcell and many, many more…

 

  • Winners will be announced at awards ceremony in the Convention Centre, Dublin on Wednesday 27th November

 

  • TV programme announcing the overall ‘An Post Irish Book of the Year’ winner will be broadcast on RTÉ ONE on Thursday 19th December

 

The shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 features a diverse and exciting mix of exceptional writing from new and established writers across 20 categories.

 

Now in its 19th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year, the An Post Irish Book Awards bring together a vast community passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians – to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent and 2024 will be no different.

This year, the An Post Irish Book Awards has introduced the ‘Hodges Figgis History Book of the Year’ category to celebrate Ireland’s history writers and acknowledge the importance of historical writing and its contribution to the Irish literary landscape.

Additionally, the awards have expanded the ‘Cookbook of the Year’ category and renamed it as the ‘Food and Drink Book of the Year’ category to reflect the evolving tastes and interests of readers who enjoy culinary literature.

The ‘Best Short Story’ and ‘Best Poetry Award’ categories are now in partnership with the Irish Independent’s New Irish Writing competition. Formerly known as the Hennessy Literary Awards, New Irish Writing has been a platform for unpublished writers since its establishment in 1968. It has helped launch the careers of numerous Irish literary stars, including Colum McCann, Anne Enright, Joseph O’Connor and Claire Keegan. The monthly winners are published on the last Saturday of each month online and in the Review supplement of The Irish Independent.

The shortlist of six for the Short Story and Poetry categories was selected from the monthly winners between November 2023 and October 2024 by Ciaran Carty, New Irish Writing’s Editor since 1988, and Associate Editor Dermot Bolger. The overall winners of both categories will be chosen by two of New Irish Writing’s most successful and respected alumni – John Boyne and Paula Meehan.

Other categories include Novel of the Year, Children’s (Junior and Senior), Newcomer, Lifestyle, Crime Fiction, Biography, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Teen and Young Adult and Irish Language.

To tie in with the announcement of the An Post Irish Book Awards shortlist, the public are now being asked to have their say and cast their votes for the best books of the year on the An Post Irish Book Awards website anpostirishbookawards.ie/vote. All voters will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five €100 National Book Tokens vouchers. Voters may cast their votes from 8pm on 24th October until voting closes on the 14th November at 5pm.

 

Meanwhile, a one-hour television special, hosted by Oliver Callan, will be broadcast on RTÉ One on 19th December giving viewers an exclusive insight into the six books and the authors competing for the accolade of ‘An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year 2024’, culminating in the reveal of this year’s overall winner.

 

Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, says:

“The shortlist for this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards is, once again, remarkable, showcasing the immense talent of Irish writers and the strength of our literary community. Each category highlights exceptional writing, with well deserving authors, publishers, illustrators, and booksellers being recognised.

The An Post Irish Book Awards is a key event in the literary calendar, and it is wonderful to see the growing enthusiasm for this initiative. I would like to wish all the nominees the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating the winners on the 27th November.”

 

PJ Brigdale, Head of Brand at An Post, says:

“We are thrilled to announce this year’s shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards and celebrate the incredible talent and diversity of Irish writing. Each shortlisted book reflects the rich storytelling tradition we cherish, and we’re proud to honour the authors, publishers, booksellers and readers who make these awards so special. As a brand, we are especially proud to support and foster a love of reading across Ireland, helping to ensure that it remains a vital part of our culture and communities for generations to come.”

 

The An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 Shortlist is as follows:

 

TheJournal.ie Best Irish-Published Book of the Year

  • The Enchanted Bay: Tales and Legends from Ernie O’Malley’s Irish Folklore Collection – Cormac K. H. O’Malley and Patrick J. Mahoney (Merrion Press)
  • Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New Perspectives – Hélène O’Keeffe, John Crowley, Donal Ó Drisceoil, John Borgonovo and Mike Murphy (Cork University Press)
  • The Irish Words You Should Know – Hector Ó hEochagáin (Gill Books)
  • Irish Food History: A Companion – Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire & Dorothy Cashman (Royal Irish Academy)
  • 1588, The Spanish Armada and the 24 Ships Lost on Ireland’s Shores – Michael B. Barry (Andalus Press)
  • Reeling in the Queers: Tales of Ireland’s LGBTQ Past – Páraic Kerrigan (New Island Books)

 

Dubray Biography of the Year

  • This Boy’s Heart: Scenes from an Irish childhood – John Creedon (Gill Books)
  • Finding Mangan: The Lives and Afterlives of Ireland’s National Poet – Bridget Hourican (Gill Books)
  • American Mother – Colum McCann with Diane Foley (Bloomsbury Publishing)
  • Well, Holy God: My Life as an Irish, Catholic, Agnostic Correspondent – Patsy McGarry (Merrion Press)
  • Leaning on Gates – Seamus O’Rourke (Gill Books)
  • Nature Boy: A journey of birdsong and belonging – Seán Ronayne (Hachette Books Ireland)

 

Hodges Figgis History Book of the Year

  • Hotel Lux: An Intimate History of Communism’s Forgotten Radicals – Maurice J. Casey (Footnote Press)
  • Revolutionary Times – Ireland 1913-23: The Forging of a Nation – Mike Cronin and Mark Duncan (Merrion Press)
  • Land Is All That Matters: The Struggle That Shaped Irish History – Myles Dungan (Apollo, Head of Zeus)
  • The Revelation of Ireland: 1995-2020 – Diarmaid Ferriter (Profile Books)
  • A History of Ireland in Ten Body Parts – Dr Ian Miller (Gill Books)
  • Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New Perspectives – Hélène O’Keeffe, John Crowley, Donal Ó Drisceoil, John Borgonovo and Mike Murphy (Cork University Press)

 

WHSmith Non-Fiction Book of the Year

  • Who Killed Una Lynskey?: A True Story of Murder, Vigilante Justice and the Garda ‘Heavy Gang’ – Mick Clifford (Sandycove, Penguin)
  • Twelve Sheep: Life lessons from a lambing season – John Connell (Allen & Unwin)
  • The Magic of an Irish Rainforest: A Visual Journey – Eoghan Daltun (Hachette Books Ireland)
  • Murder at Lordship: Inside the Hunt for a Detective’s Killer – Pat Marry and Robin Schiller (Allen & Unwin)
  • Money: A Story of Humanity – David McWilliams (Simon & Schuster)
  • Missing Persons, Or My Grandmother’s Secrets – Clair Wills (Allen Lane)

 

Eason Novel of the Year

  • Wild Houses – Colin Barrett (Jonathan Cape, Vintage)
  • The Heart in Winter – Kevin Barry (Canongate Books)
  • The Woman Behind the Door – Roddy Doyle (Jonathan Cape, Vintage)
  • Our London Lives – Christine Dwyer Hickey (Atlantic Books)
  • Seaborne – Nuala O’Connor (New Island Books)
  • Intermezzo – Sally Rooney (Faber & Faber)
  • Heart, Be at Peace – Donal Ryan (Doubleday, Penguin Random House)
  • Long Island – Colm Tóibín (Picador, Pan Macmillan)

 

Bookselling Ireland Food & Drink Book of the Year

  • Sprout & Co Saladology: Fresh Ideas for Delicious Salads – Theo Kirwan (Mitchel Beazley, Octopus Books)
  • Irish Food History: A Companion – Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire & Dorothy Cashman (Royal Irish Academy)
  • Eat Out at Home – Neven Maguire (Gill Books)
  • Season: Master the elements of amazing taste – Mark Moriarty (Gill Books)
  • The Home Sommelier: Your down-to-earth guide to choosing good wine – Brigid O’Hora (Hachette Books Ireland)
  • Dad Food – Dylan McGrath (Gill Books)

 

Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year

  • What We Know Now – Jenny Kelly and Mairéad Ronan (Gill Books)
  • It’s All Too Much: Practical ways to pause panic attacks, reduce overwhelm and anxiety, and rediscover everyday joy – Allison Keating (Gill Books)
  • The Complete Book of Wild Swimming in Ireland – Maureen McCoy and Paul McCambridge (Gill Books)
  • Gaeilge i Mo Chroí – Irish In My Heart: Your Guide to Loving and Living the Irish Language – Molly Nic Céile (Hachette Books Ireland)
  • Some of Our Parts: Why we are more than the labels we live by – Laura Kennedy (Eriu)
  • The Hike Life: 50 More to Explore – Rozanna Purcell (Black & White Publishing)

 

Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year

  • Sally Rooney
  • Donal Ryan
  • Colm Tóibín
  • Sheila O’Flanagan
  • Eoin Colfer
  • Jo Spain

 

Eason Sports Book of the Year

  • Joe Canning: My Story – Joe Canning with Vincent Hogan (Gill Books)
  • Unladylike: A History of Ladies Gaelic Football – Hayley Kilgallon (New Island Books)
  • The Racket: On Tour with Tennis’s Golden Generation – and the other 99% – Conor Niland (Sandycove, Penguin)
  • Blood and Thunder: Rugby and Irish Life: A History – Liam O’Callaghan (Sandycove, Penguin)
  • My Autobiography – Davy Russell with Donn McClean (Eriu)
  • Obsessed: The Autobiography – Johnny Sexton (Sandycove, Penguin)

 

Gradam Love Leabhar Gaeilge Leabhar Ficsin Gaeilge na Bliana

  • Geansaithe Móra – Gearóidín Nic Cárthaigh (LeabhairCOMHAR)
  • Saighdiúir – Cathal Ó Searcaigh (Leabhar Breac)
  • Flaitheas – Proinsias Mac a’ Bhaird (Leabhar Breac)
  • Mná – Daithí Ó Muirí (Cló Iar-Chonnacht)
  • Cuimhní Poircealláin agus Scéalta Eile – Majella Ní Dhomhnaill  (Cló Iar-Chonnacht)
  • Súile Éisc agus Scéalta Eile – Michelle Nic Pháidín (Cló Iar-Chonnacht)

 

 

Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Junior

  • Beanie the Bansheenie – Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Steve McCarthy (Walker Books)
  • The Golden Hare – Paddy Donnelly (The O’Brien Press)
  • The Great Discovery – Peter Donnelly (Gill Books)
  • Where to Hide a Star – Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins Children’s Books)
  • Evil Duck and the Feather of Fortune – Chris Judge (Gill Books)
  • Over the Red-Brick Chimney – Una Leavy, illustrated by Shannon Bergin (The O’Brien Press)

 

Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Senior

  • Nina Peanut Is Amazing – Sarah Bowie (Scholastic)
  • Fia and the Last Snow Deer – Eilish Fisher, illustrated by Dermot Flynn (Puffin, Penguin Random House Children’s)
  • Milly McCarthy and the Sports Day Shambles – Leona Forde, illustrated by Karen Harte (Gill Books)
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Irish Lighthouses – David Hare, illustrated by Linda Fährlin (Gill Books)
  • The History of Information – Chris Haughton with Loonie Park (DK Children’s)
  • Fixing Mum and Dad – Sinéad Moriarty (Gill Books)
  • Molly Malone & Bram Stoker in The Riddle of the Disappearing Dickens – Alan Nolan (The O’Brien Press)
  • The Weather Girls – Sarah Webb (The O’Brien Press)

 

International Education Services Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year, in honour of John Treacy

  • Something’s About to Blow Up – Sam Blake (Gill Books)
  • Braids Take a Day – Zainab Boladale (The O’Brien Press)
  • The Traitor in the Game – Triona Campbell (Scholastic)
  • Where the Heart Should Be – Sarah Crossan (Bloomsbury YA)
  • The Dagger and the Flame – Catherine Doyle (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books)
  • Sisters of the Moon – Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick (Faber & Faber)

 

Irish Independent Crime Fiction Book of the Year

  • A Stranger in the Family – Jane Casey (Hemlock Press)
  • Witness 8 – Steve Cavanagh (Headline)
  • Where They Lie – Claire Coughlan (Simon & Schuster)
  • Someone in the Attic – Andrea Mara (Bantam, Transworld)
  • Somebody Knows – Michelle McDonagh (Hachette Books Ireland)
  • When We Were Silent – Fiona McPhillips (Bantam, Transworld)

 

Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year

  • Old Romantics – Maggie Armstrong (Tramp Press)
  • Spirit Level – Richy Craven (Eriu)
  • Evenings and Weekends – Oisín McKenna (4th Estate)
  • The Amendments – Niamh Mulvey (Picador, Pan Macmillan)
  • The Coast Road – Alan Murrin (Bloomsbury Circus)
  • Glorious Exploits – Ferdia Lennon (Fig Tree)

 

Ireland AM Popular Fiction Book of the Year

  • Into the Storm – Cecelia Ahern (HarperCollins)
  • Whatever Happened to Birdy Troy? – Rachael English (Hachette Books Ireland)
  • The Bookshop Ladies – Faith Hogan (Aria)
  • My Favourite Mistake – Marian Keyes (Michael Joseph, Penguin)
  • Frankie – Graham Norton (Coronet)
  • Don’t Look Back in Ongar – Ross O’Carroll Kelly (Sandycove, Penguin)

 

The Last Word Listeners’ Choice Award

  • The Heart in Winter – Kevin Barry (Canongate Books)
  • In Her Place – Edel Coffey (Sphere, Little, Brown Book Group)
  • The Alternatives – Caoilinn Hughes (Oneworld Publications)
  • The Last Disco: The Story of the Stardust Tragedy – Sean Murray, Christine Bohan and Nicky Ryan (Eriu).
  • The Racket: On Tour with Tennis’s Golden Generation – and the other 99% – Conor Niland (Sandycove, Penguin)
  • Long Island – Colm Tóibín (Picador, Pan Macmillan)

 

New Irish Writing Best Short Story in association with the Irish Independent

  • Growth – Margaret Cahill
  • Valentine’s Day – Kathleen Macadam
  • Estepona – Dónal O’Sullivan
  • Night Shift – Stephen Brophy
  • Stick Shift – Claire Bamber
  • Everything is in Place – David O’Neill

 

New Irish Writing Best Poetry in association with the Irish Independent

  • ‘It’s Hard to Burn a Word’ and ‘Herding’ – Bill Richardson
  • ‘Dream of an Atrocity’ – Féilim James
  • ‘Pravda’ – Eoin Devereux
  • ‘Typewriter’ and ‘Provence’ – Agnieszka Filipek
  • ‘Maure ‘Soshin’ O’Hallroan’ and ‘Halo’ – Colette Colfer
  • ‘Onionskin’ – Eilín de Paor

 

An Post Bookshop of the Year

  • Bridge Books, Dromore, Down
  • Liber, Sligo
  • Little Acorns Bookstore, Derry
  • O’Mahony’s Booksellers, Limerick
  • Tales for Tadpoles, Bray, Wicklow
  • The Company of Books, Ranelagh, Dublin

 

www.anpostirishbookawards.ie

Facebook: @AnPostIBAS

Instagram: @anpost_irishbookawards

Twitter: @AnPostIBAS

 

For a range of reading recommendations, check out www.anpost.com/readerswanted

Government must ensure polio survivors retain their Medical Card so they have access to essential ongoing healthcare and supports and urgently address their loss of disability status at pension age – Polio Survivors Ireland ahead of World Polio Day on 24th October

  • Eligibility levels for the Medical Card means test urgently need to be reviewed in line with social welfare increases to ensure polio survivors do not lose their entitlement 

 

  • Once polio survivors turn 66, they are transferred from disability benefits to the State Pension which means they are expected to manage on the same income as those without disabilities – despite having higher costs

 

  • Department of Health also need to address the inadequacy of physiotherapy provision to manage symptoms of the late effects of polio

 

To mark World Polio Day taking place on Thursday 24th October, Polio Survivors Ireland is today calling on the Government to address the eligibility levels for the Medical Card means testing process to reflect the Social Welfare payment increases in recent years. Polio survivors who qualify for a Medical Card this year may lose it due to modest increases in their income. This is a significant challenge for polio survivors who are on low incomes as they require essential medical care and support.

 

Increasing the maximum income limit for Medical Cards would ensure polio survivors who require a medical card have access to the healthcare they need and that those who no longer quality for the medical card because of this discrepancy would have them restored. Many polio survivors are on low incomes and almost entirely dependent on social welfare. They require essential medical care and support to manage the late effects of the childhood illness.

 

Loss of access to Disability Benefits

Polio Survivors Ireland is also calling on the government to address the discrepancy that results when polio survivors reach retirement age and are transferred from disability benefits to the State Pension, losing entitlement to cost of disability payments and effectively erasing their disability status.

 

The Government acknowledged the higher cost of living with a disability in its own report (Indecon Report on the Cost of Disability 2021 which estimated that the overall average annual costs of disability in Ireland ranges from €9,482 per annum to €11,734) and through the introduction of Cost of Disability payments in recent years. However, people with disabilities over 66, including most members of Polio Survivors Ireland, are unable to avail of these disability payments which alleviate some of the additional costs of living with a disability.

 

Polio survivors live with long term impacts as a result of polio including severe pain, fatigue, cold intolerance and muscle weakness. As a result, polio survivors face ongoing financial burdens that are not adequately considered in the State Pension. These include the costs of aids and appliances such as stair lifts, calipers, bespoke footwear, electric scooters and wheelchairs, which enable them to maintain their independence and prevent falls.

 

Around 700 members of Polio Survivors Ireland receive the State Pension, despite needing costly aids, appliances, orthotics, mobility supports, and extra heating. This situation is discriminatory as they are effectively treated less favourably than their peers over 66.

 

Inadequate access to Physiotherapy

Additionally, Polio Survivors Ireland is asking the Department of Health to immediately address the serious inadequacy of physiotherapy available in the community for those who live with the late effects of polio – also known as post polio syndrome.

 

Members of Polio Survivors Ireland have highlighted the barriers they have faced when trying to access physiotherapy, including financial costs. Many have paid privately or have received funding from Polio Survivors Ireland. In 2023. Polio Survivors Ireland spent €6,752.00 on physiotherapy for its members, which would have been otherwise unaffordable to them.

 

Polio survivors have lived their lives with the neurological symptoms and functional limitations of polio and these issues tend to worsen in older adulthood. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing polio, but it needs be tailored to the individual’s specific needs to minimise adverse effects or excessive fatigue.

 

There is a lack of HSE physiotherapists in the community, meaning that polio survivors cannot access the physiotherapy that they need to maintain their independence. Typically survivors are on long waiting lists for physiotherapy and are often only given one-off appointments.

 

With World Polio Day taking place on Thursday 24th October, Polio Survivors Ireland will give a presentation to members of the Oireachtas in the AV Room in Leinster House on the 23rd October. The panel will consist of:

 

  • Dr. Deirdre Murray, who will discuss the physiotherapy needs of polio survivors
  • Siobhan Banville, who will highlight new research from Polio Survivors Ireland
  • Johnny O’Sullivan, polio survivor

Along with research and survey insights, attendees will hear from polio survivors themselves on the challenges they face as they age.

 

Fran Brennan, CEO of Polio Survivors Ireland says: “The issue of people with disabilities being transferred to the State Pension, once they turn 66, is critical. It effectively eliminates their disability status, most significantly in relation to meeting the higher costs of living with a disability. Polio survivors are an ageing population, who have suffered throughout their lives and still live with the impact of a childhood disease. Most of them lost out on education, which has reduced their earning potential throughout their lives. They don’t have life savings and rely on state support, which is significantly inadequate in comparison to their peers. They have already suffered enough.”

 

World Polio Day takes place on 24th of October every year. It was established over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. While there is no cure for polio, it is preventable through vaccination.

To find out more about Polio Survivors Ireland, visit: www.polio.ie

Keep up to date with Polio Survivors Ireland on Facebook @PolioSurvivorsIreland, on

Instagram @poliosurvivorsireland and on Twitter @PolioIreland

 

Just over one quarter (28%) of Irish people are not aware that you can develop shingles more than once and over four in ten (42%) did not know that blindness is a rare complication of shingles – new research from GSK Ireland.

New ‘Understanding Shingles’ campaign unveiled by broadcaster Marty Whelan to help address significant misconceptions about shingles and the lack of knowledge about the risks and impact of shingles among those aged 50+

 

  • Nearly six in ten (59%) people over 50 feel that they are at high risk of developing shingles, with 58% saying shingles would have an extremely negative impact on their quality of life.

 

  • 21% are unaware that shingles can cause long-term nerve pain.

 

  • Globally, shingles will affect up to 1 in 3 people in their lifetime,[i],[ii],[iii],[iv],5 and its pain is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like.1

 

  • Broadcaster Marty Whelan calls on the over-50s to ‘Understand Shingles’ and speak with their doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist about their risk of shingles or go to www.understandingshingles.ie

GSK Ireland today released new data from an Irish survey, commissioned and funded by GSK, highlighting some significant misconceptions in the understanding of shingles risk, symptoms and complications among people aged 50 and over. a group of adults who are particularly at risk of the condition.

 

The research shows that just over one quarter (28%) of Irish people are not aware that you can develop shingles more than once and over four in ten (42%) did not know that blindness is a rare complication of shingles. Over four in ten (41%) incorrectly believe that shingles is contagious, while a quarter of people surveyed (25%) did not understand the link between chickenpox and shingles. 21% of those surveyed are also unaware that shingles can cause long-term nerve pain.

 

The launch of the GSK ‘Understanding Shingles’ research findings aims to raise awareness and address the lack of knowledge about the risks and impact of shingles, and to encourage those at risk to speak with their doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist about shingles risk and management.

 

With almost six in ten people (58%) believing that shingles will have an extremely negative impact on their quality of life, the research, conducted in Ireland, also revealed that 60% of respondents perceive shingles to be a serious disease with 59% of respondents feeling that they are at high risk of developing shingles.6 It also shows that people over 50 in Ireland have good awareness of the common signs and symptoms of shingles – including a red rash (93%), severe pain (90%), blisters (80%) and long-term nerve pain (79%).6 Only 58% of those asked were aware that blindness is one of the possible complications of shingles on the eye.6 Knowledge also differed on contributing factors such as a weakened immune system (72%), being under stress (52%) and age-related declining immunity (66%).6

 

One-in-three people who have had chickenpox are at risk of developing shingles in their lifetime.7 The disease, which typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face,8 is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like.1 Following the shingles rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last weeks or months and occasionally persist for several years. 1,4 PHN occurs in around 20% of all shingles cases, with the over-50s particularly at risk.9

10-15% of shingles cases can affect the eye  which in some cases can result in serious eye complications.10

 

Eavan Daly, Country Medical Director, GSK Ireland, said:

“It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about the risk of shingles in adults over 50, who are at an increased risk of shingles due to a decline in immunity. Many older adults have some understanding of the condition, but misunderstandings persist, particularly in relation to complications and personal risk. Shingles can be a debilitating illness that can seriously affect the quality of everyday life for those impacted. As part of our disease awareness campaign, we’re encouraging people who are most at risk of shingles, that is individuals over 50 and those with weakened immune systems, to talk to their healthcare professional about shingles. Our research and feedback from healthcare professionals shows that campaigns like this can encourage individuals to learn more and have conversations with their doctor, pharmacist or practice nurse.”

 

Marty Whelan, ambassador for GSK Ireland’s ‘Understanding Shingles’ campaign, said:

“As a new grandad to my beautiful six-month-old granddaughter, I’m more mindful than ever of the importance of keeping active, staying healthy and taking care of myself so I can fully enjoy time with my family.

 

As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, and we become more vulnerable to conditions like shingles. Shingles can be a very painful condition that can potentially negatively impact your quality of life. Working on this Understanding Shingles campaign has been eye opening for me as I was totally unaware of how debilitating the condition can be, especially the pain that comes with it. That’s why creating more awareness about shingles is essential. So I’m appealing to everyone over the age of 50 and to those over 18 with a weakened immune system to take the time to make themselves aware of factors that put them at risk of shingles, as well as the signs and symptoms of shingles. And if it helps, you can talk to your GP, pharmacist or practice nurse about shingles. Taking control of your health, especially as you get older, is one of the best things you can do for you, your family and your future.”

 

Almost all adults already carry the virus that causes shingles  i and this may reactivate with advancing age.1 Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the virus that causes chickenpox.1 As people age, the strength of the immune system response to infection wanes, increasing the risk of developing shingles.1 There is a sharp increase in the risk of developing shingles in people aged 50 and older.1

 

Marty Whelan is the official ambassador for GSK ‘Understanding Shingles’ disease awareness  campaign. As part of his role, Marty will lend his voice to help improve awareness of shingles, and he will also feature in a radio advertisement. GSK Ireland are also  running a shingles disease awareness campaign across television as well as outdoor advertisements such as billboards and bus shelters, encouraging people to speak to a healthcare professional or visit understandingshingles.ie to learn more about shingles.

 

www.understandingshingles.ie

 

 

[i] Harpaz R, et al. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention of herpes zoster: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008;57(RR-5):1-30.

[ii] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Shingles in Australia. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/759199ff-f5c8-421d-a572-aaa984a02b49/aihw-phe-236_shingles.pdf.aspx. Last Accessed: November 2023

[iii] Lee C, et al. Lifetime risk of herpes zoster in the population of Beijing, China. Public Health in Practice. 2023 Jun;5:100356.

[iv] Curran D, et al. Meta-Regression of Herpes Zoster Incidence Worldwide. Infect Dis Ther. 2022 Feb;11(1):389-403.

5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of Herpes Zoster; recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP). MMWR, 2008 Jun;57(RR-5): 1-30

6 : Data on file. Understanding Shingles survey conducted by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of GSK. Sept 20247 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of Herpes Zoster; recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP). MMWR, 2008 Jun;57(RR-5): 1-30.

8 Mueller NH, et al. Varicella Zoster Virus Infection: Clinical Features, Molecular Pathogenesis of Disease and Latency. Neurologic Clinics. 2008;26;675-697

9 Gauthier et al. Epidemiology and costs of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in the United Kingdom. Epidemiol Infecti. 2009 137 38-472.

  1. 10. Kawai K, Gebremeskel BG, Acosta CJ. Systematic review of  incidence and complications of herpes zoster: towards a global perspective. BMJ Open 2014;4(6):e004833.

11 Bollaerts K, Riera-Montes M, Heininger U, et al. A systemic Review of varicella seroprevalence in European countries before universal childhood immunisation: Deriving incidence from seroprevalence data. Epidemiol Infect. 2017 Aug;145:2666-77.